Climbing down on its demand for creation a separate statehood, the proscribed A’chik National Volunteers’ Council (ANVC) has demanded a separate Garoland Autonomous Council (GAC) within the state of Meghalaya.
The outfit, which is under a tripartite ceasefire agreement with the Meghalaya government and Centre said, that the ANVC leaders and cadres would join the mainstream week before the formation of the autonomous council.
“Till formation of GAC, an interim council should be formed by Meghalaya Governor with members from among the leaders of ANVC and their nominees. Within a week of formation of the interim council, ANVC leaders and cadres would join mainstream, shunning violence and laying down of arms,” ANVC Chairman Susime Marak said.
In a memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Union Home Minister P Chidambaram and Chief Minister DD Lapang, the ANVC demanded that the GAC should be created in the pattern of Bodoland Autonomous Territorial Council in Assam with massive socio-economic package and autonomy to fulfil the aspirations of the Garo tribals.
“It is only the GAC with legislative and executive powers within state of Meghalaya under the Sixth Schedule can bring the much needed-peace and prosperity in the neglected Garo Hills region,” ANVC Chairman Susime Marak said.
The militant outfit said that the objective of the GAC was to politically safeguard the interest of the people of Garo Hills with more powers, wider functions and without the interference of the state government.
In order to fulfil the creation of GAC, the ANVC demanded Rs 5000 crore for five years over and above the normal plan and non plan assistance for the proposed GAC and transfer of many important subjects to the Council. The outfit also demanded the creation of two more districts in Garo Hills within the proposed Council and the formation of a “Garo Regiment” and a separate police battalion, comprising mostly of ANVC cadres and other deserving youths.